Brussels, 23 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Brussels drugs commissioner role has been filled for the first time, with the Brussels-Capital Region appointing criminologist Miran Scheers to coordinate its response to drug trafficking, organised crime and violence affecting neighbourhoods across the Belgian capital.
The regional government approved the appointment on Thursday, 22 October, following a recruitment process. Brussels Minister-President Boris Dilliès announced the decision as authorities seek closer cooperation between police, prosecutors, municipalities, transport operators and prevention services.
Miran Scheers Takes Charge of Brussels Drugs Commissioner Role
Scheers brings experience in public safety, crime prevention and drug policy. Before her appointment, she served as director of safety and prevention for the City of Leuven and previously worked as a drug policy adviser at federal level.
She will operate within the regional security agency safe.brussels and initially lead a three-person team.
Her responsibilities include developing a regional anti-drugs strategy, coordinating interventions in areas affected by trafficking and overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of security measures.
The position also covers administrative and regulatory action against money laundering linked to criminal activity.
Scheers is expected to work with national drugs commissioner Ine Van Wymersch, Brussels public prosecutor Julien Moinil and senior police officials.
The objective is to improve cooperation between existing institutions rather than create a separate police force.
Brussels Government Responds to Drug-Related Violence
The appointment follows continued concern over shootings and criminal activity linked to the drugs trade.
According to figures cited by the Brussels regional government, 74 shootings attributed to drug gangs were recorded between January and the end of September 2026. Those incidents resulted in two deaths and 28 injuries.
The violence has heightened concerns about public safety in neighbourhoods including Anderlecht, Molenbeek and Saint-Gilles.
Dilliès has argued that fragmented responsibilities between different authorities have complicated efforts to tackle the problem.
Announcing the appointment, the minister-president said drug trafficking causes violence and destabilises entire Brussels neighbourhoods. He emphasised the need to coordinate security, justice and prevention services more effectively.
The government considers Scheers’ experience in both prevention and public administration important to delivering that approach.
Appointment Raises Questions About Existing Security Structures
The creation of a regional commissioner has also attracted criticism.
Brussels prosecutor-general Frédéric Van Leeuw questioned the need for another administrative structure when Belgium already has a national drugs commissioner.
Speaking to broadcaster BX1 earlier in October, Van Leeuw argued that resources could instead strengthen judicial services facing staffing pressures.
Dilliès rejected the suggestion that the position duplicates federal responsibilities. He maintained that Brussels requires dedicated regional coordination across its municipalities and public services.
The regional government included the role in its 2026 policy programme, with the aim of bringing enforcement, prevention and public health measures into a more integrated framework.
What the Appointment Means for Brussels Residents
For residents, the new position is intended to support more consistent action in neighbourhoods affected by drug dealing, intimidation and violence.
The commissioner’s work will involve cooperation between municipal authorities, police, regional agencies and public transport operators.
This could help authorities identify priority locations, coordinate interventions and assess whether existing measures are producing results.
However, the appointment itself does not establish that crime levels will decline. Its effectiveness will depend on cooperation between agencies and measurable improvements in public safety.
What Happens Next for Brussels’ Anti-Drug Strategy?
Scheers’ immediate responsibilities include developing the regional strategy and establishing coordination arrangements with security and justice partners.
The proposed framework includes regular meetings involving the minister-president, regional security officials, federal drugs authorities and prosecutors.
The new office will also evaluate interventions and examine possible regulatory improvements, including measures relating to money laundering.
The appointment marks a significant administrative change in Brussels’ response to drug-related violence. Whether it improves security will depend on the implementation of its strategy and the results achieved across affected communities.
